Wire-coating machine.



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VN0.894,592 PATENTED JULY2s,19o.

J.G.0ALLAN.

WIRE COATING MACHINE?? APPLICATION FILED MAY 9,'1905. B SHBBTS SHEBT 2 John G. cal la' J. G. GALLAN. LWIRE GOATING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED MAY 9. 1905.

.Nm '894,'52. PATENTED JULY 28. 190@ l 8 SHEETS-SHEET 3.

Irwenborz John GLCaI Ian,

...56 @y ddh/@ und 'yqt't y' l PATBNTEJD JULY 28, 190s. J.G.GALLAN. WIRE COMING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED MAY 9, 1905. B SHBETS SHEET 4.

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No. 894.592. PATENTED JULY 28, 1908. J. G. GALLAN. WIRE GOATING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED MAY 9,'1905 E, ,V @am nl a eva/M .w w Q. m

w, Pulli i xTOhh G N0.s94,592x Y PATBNTEDJULY28,1908. J.G..CALLAN.

WIRE GOATING MACHINE.

APPLIUATION FILED MAY 9, 1905.

SHEETS-SHEET s.

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John G. Cal lar-1 lrwerwtor A No. 894 592. PATENTBD JULY 28, 1908.

J.G.QALLAN. wmf; ooATING MACHINE. APP-LIOATION FILED MAY 9. 1905.

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10.894590, PATBNTBD mm p. 1.903. I

J. G. GALLAN. y

f WIRE GUATING MACHINE.

Inderwtcbl? John .G Cal Ian,

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witnesses:

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JOHN G. CALI/AN, OF LYNN, MASSACHUSETTS, ASSIGNOR TO GENERAL ELE A CORPORATION OF NEW YORK.

WIRE-COATING MACHINE.

.Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented July 28, 1908.

Application filed May 9, 1905. Serial No. 259,577.

'"0 all whom- 'it may concern:

Be it known that I, JouxT G. CALLAN, a -itizen of the United States, residing at- Lynn, county of Essex, State of Massachusetts, i have invented certain new and useful lm- -provements 'in l'liire-Coating Machines, of

which the following is a specification.

My invention relates to a machine for coating conductors with iilm insulation. .The 1o terms film insulation" signify a protective covering for a conductor applied thcreto'in ,liquid form, and subsequently solidified the film or covering being composed of a single, coating of the insulating material or a plu` la rality of superposed thin coatings, as desired. v l

My improved machine is designed for practicing single or multi-coating processes, and is especially adapted for coating wire of 2o small sizes, such, for example, as is use-d for meter armatures, electroinagnet coils, and' other.electritatl apparatus; although it may t be used for coating conductors of larger gage. 1

Another object of the invention is to provide a machine of compact, Well-organized construction and which is reduced to a. suecessful operating basis for manufacturing tilm insulated conductors of uniform and sato istactor quality, and in (piantity for coniinercial use.

ln practicing the coating process various substances for the insulating material may be used, such as collodion, cellulose com- .'i pounds, varnishes, japans, rubber, enamel,

or other insulating substances which are dissolvablo in suitable volatile solvents and applicable in liquid form. The wire or conductor 'to be coated ma)r be, and preferably is, t0 covered with one or'more preliminaryv coats of some adhesive, such. as a rubber solution, following which one or a pluralit)I of coats of the liquid insulation compound are applied. With some insulating materials one coat is l5 sufficient., while with others a number of coats gives lnore satisfactory results. ln coating wire with an .insulation snc-h as eellulose tetracetate which affords a particularly effective insulation by `reason of its 50 high insulating and noli-hygroscopie proporties, a multi-coating process ispreterable, as this process is more advantageous for the reason that the con'ipositions of the successive coats or baths may be variedso as to pro- 55 ducoa. film having the most satisfactory` tively a transverse section of the oven taken properties. That is to say, thtl .lirst one or more coats of the insulating material taftcr the preliminary adhesive coats) maiv contain a certa-in proportion of adhesive with the necessary amount o-f softener to Vrender the coat supple, while the succeeding coats may have less or no adhesive, and gradually less and less softener, so that the final layer when dry will be tough and comparatively hard and form a protective surface for thc lilm, while the interior layers will be soft and pliable so that the conductor can'readily bend without the film cracking or scaling off. Furthermore, the superposed layers reduce the possibilit)7 ot' coincidence of insulation faults. During the coating process, the wet conductor is passed through an oven after each application of the insulating material for baking the same, and after the baking ol the final coat the finished conductor is passed through a test device for locating insulation faults, and is 'finally reeled on a shipping spool. v

My machine for Inaeticing these. various steps comprises, in general terms, a coating device composed of a number of units byV which the adhesive and coating materials are applied successively to thc conductor, a carrier or stringing frame on which the conductor travels during the coating and drving' stages, an oven or heater through which the conductor passes after each application olI the coating niaterialfor drying the latter, a spooling apparatus which unreels the hare conductor from one spool and reels the linished conductor on another or shipping spool, a special 'forni of driving mechanism for conveying the conductor in either direction through the machine, a test device for testing the `finished eoinluetor for insulation faults before the conductor is spooled, a tension in `dic-ator \\'licreb v a break in the conductor is immediatelysignaled, suitable poner transmitting moans for driving the spooling ap paratus, the. coating devicx and the driving mechanism for the conductor` and various details of construction, which will be more 'fully set forth in thtnfollowing description.

ln theaccompanyingdrawings,which illustrate one of several embodiments of which the invention is capable, Figures l and 2 are respectively a. front and a side elevation of the machine showing the oven or drying chamber in section.; Figs. 3 and 4 are respecriti - on lines 3 3 and 4 4, Fig. 1, and drawn on an enhrrged scale; Fig. 5 isa central vertical section ofthe furnace for heating ,the oven; Fig. G is a detail sectionof a heat-distributL chainber between the oven and the furnace Fig. 7 a horizontal section of the Inachine taken on line 7 7, Fig. 2; Figs. 8 and 9 are respectively a side and a iront elevation of an insulation fault tester and tension indicator; 10 is an enlarged plan view of one group or' units of the coating device; Figl 11 is a longitudinalsection of one oi the units of the ycoating device taken on line lil l1, Fig.` 10; Fig. 12 is a detailsection taken on line 12 12Fig. 1'1 5 Fig. 1'3 is a'fraginentary vien7 of a coating Wheel and cooperating parts ci one unit of a coating device 3 Fig. 14 is a side elevation of a modified construction cil the coating dev icei Fig. 15 is a transverse section of one of the units taken online 15 15, Fig. 14; Figs. 16 to i9 inclusive, are views oi detail parts oi Fig. is an enlarged view of a portion of the spooling apparatus taken online 2O 2t), Fig. 7; Fig. 21 is a lengt t'udinal section oi? one ei1 the spool carriages .of the spooling device; Fig. 22 is a vertical transverse seetiono'i a portion of the machine, showing the driving mechanism; Fig. 23 is a horizontal section on line 23 23, Fig. 22; Fig. 24 is a plan view ci a portion ci the driving mechanism for conveying the conductor in either direction through the machine; and Fig.` 25 is a diagram of electric circuits including the motor tor operating the machine, the test device and tension indicator, and the magnetic clutch between the motor andthe means for operating the coating wheels.

Referring to the drawings, Figs. 1, 2 and 7, A represents the stand oi' the machine, B the coating device, C the drying oven, i) the carrier or Stringing frame for the conductor, E the spooling apparatus, F the combined insulation ytest device and tension indicator,- G the electric motor for driving the various operating parts of the machine, and l'l the conductor or wire being coated.

The stand fr comprises standards or legs l and a horizontal top 2 on which the various parts ofl the machine are supported. The Jront portion 'of the top is occupied by Vthe coating device and spooling apparatus, and the rear portion is occupied by the Stringing frame, the mechanism tor driving the conductor, and the drying oven, vwhich latter, in the present instance, is disposed in a vertical position so as to diminish the floor area covered by the machine; although the oven may be disposed horizon tally orl at any other angle where `door space is not an important factor.

Vllith the several parts of the machine thus ,arranged the path of the conductor is as follows: The conductor unreelsi roin a spool 3 in the spooling apparatus Eend extends to and passes a number of times around the crearse Stringing frame D, which includes the meelI anisin for driving the conductor. On the frame the conductor is conveyed through the coating device B and the drying oven, so as to receive a coat of' insulation and to dry the latter each time the conductor passes around the frame. Frein theframe the vfinished conductorl is conveyed through the insulation test device and tension indicator F, and is then reeled upon a shipping spool 4. Passing the conductor around the stringing frame a number of times present s to thc coat ing` device a plurality ot turns or lengths :v (shown in heavy lines, Fig. l) so that the conductor receives successive coats while passing once through the machine, and is thus iinished in one operation.

Thecoating device B is mounted on a swinging table 5, so that it may be moved into or out of operative relation to thc scveral turns of the conductor on the stringingr frame. The swinging table is support od in a horizontal position upon two parallel sels of links Figs. 1, 2, 7 and 11. lhese links extend through and are movable in parallel transversel ilxtending slots 7 in the top ol" the stand di, and are pivoted at their upper ends to the swinging table, and at their lower ends to depending brackets S on the underside of the stand top. A supplementary stationary table 9 is arranged on the stand in a horizontal position between the swinging table and the st and top. This stuti'onary table is provided, with corresponding parallel slots l() throitgh which the support l ing links 6 extend. The end walls 10, Fig.

2, of the slots 1() form rests for supportingthc swinging table and coating device in operative and inoperative positions. l`hc stationary table furthermore serves as a shield for covering the spooling` apparatus and portions of the driving` mechanism.

The coating device B is made up of a number of units, Figs. 10 and 11, each of which is adapted to apply a coat to thc conductor :1s it passes through the machine. 'lhese units each comprises a carrier for applyingr thc insulationto the conductor, such :is a relating peripherally-gr()ovcd wheel 11, a rcccptacle or tank l2 for containing the insulation solution, and means in `thc tank for conveying or feeding the'insulating nuitcrinl to thc groove of the coating wheel. ln' the present instance ten units are eniployod, Figs. l and l() which number corresponds to the number of turns or lengths h oi the conductor on the Stringing frame. The number, however, is immaterial to the principle of operation ol thcmachino; one unit being used for a single coating process, two for a double coating process, three for a triple coating process,

and so on.

The coating wheels are preferablymount ed to rotate in a horizontal axis, and the conductor is passed tangentially through the' grooves of the wheels, preferably in a vertical direetion, so as to permit the coating material to be more evenly distributed en the Conductor. The wheels are supported in a easing 14, Figs. l() and 11, which is suitably secured at. the rear portion of the swinging table. i '.l`he wheels are keyed to a horizontal driving-shaft 15, which forms a common means for rotating the-1n. The units are preferably, although not necessarily, arranged in two banks or grou ps, separated by a central space in which is located a. driving sprocket tti, or its etpiivalcnt, for tran'sniitting power to the wheel-carrying shaft. The said shaft is journaled in posts or pillars l5 on` the swinging tablewhich are arranged at opposite sides of the driving sprocket. tti in Contact with the hub thereof, soas 'to prevent lateral play of the shaft and the coating wheels.- yTl i shaft is also journaled in bearings iti in tht;` side wallsof the wheel casings, FigsA l and l l. The rear walls of the wheel easings are preferably verticaly or parallel with the several lengths L of the conductor, Figi 1l, and are provided with openings lt), through each of which a fireurnt'erential portion of the coating wheel extends, so that the conductor may pass tangcntially through the groove. Over the projecting portion of each wheel a moutlnpieee 20, Figs` l() and ll, for guiding the lengths of the conductor into the wheel grooves when the coating deviee is moved into operative relation to the conductor on the stringing frame. These mouth-pieces, which are removably secured to the casings l14, are preferably castings each lnovided with two divergiug lips 2]. which at their base are slightly separated to form slits that registers with the groove of its respect ive coating wheel.

'lhc coating material may be contained in 'a singll.= tank or vessel common to the several coating wheels. lt is preferable, however, to provide individual tanks for the coating wheels, and each tank with its corsecured in place on the swinging table a, Fig.

ll, by means of depending lugs '21, which ci'lgagc in slotsI or depressions .22 in the table. 'l`hc tanks are closed by covers '23, so as to prevent evaporation of the volatile solvent in the insulating solution. 'Fliese covers which arc removable so as to permit cleaning of the tanks, are secured m )osition by knurl-hctuled lingcr-screws 24, the threaded Shanks ol' which extend through the opcnings in the covers and'screwl in transverse webs formed integral with the side walls ofthe tanks, ln order to lil'l thovtanksslidecovered openings 'lo are provided in the eovers throughwhich the coating material can l and ll, through which `its coating groove.

be supplied, and discharge openings 27 are arranged 1n the bottom oll the tanks for emptying them. 'lhese latter openings are closed by slowing-pressed stoppe'rs 2S, each of which provided with a pull rod 29 that proieets upwardly through the cover of its tank and terminates iu a grip 3l).

The rear ends of the tanks communicate with the lasings t-teontaining the coating wheels, Fig. ll. Mounted in cach tank at its rear end is a rotating transfer wheel 3l arranged below the level ol" t hc coating wheel,

and dipping at its lowest point below thc .sur-

face ofthe insulating material. 'l`hc transfer wheel or disk is mounted on spring arms `3l arranged in the tank; the function of the arms being to press the transfer' wheel against its corresponding coating wheel with sullicient force to cause it to receive rotation from the latter, 'and thereby transfer insu-- lating material to the coating groove. Vl`hc transfer wheels are, or 'may he, provided with. conveying belts 32, which assist in carrying the insulatingmatcrial to thecmiting grooves.

'lhese belts extend around the circumfcr enee of the transfer wheels and over guide pulleys 33, Figs. l() and H and are arranged to run longitudinally ,if the tanks with portions of their length passing through the insulating material. Feeding thc insulating material to the coating wheels in this manner, itis essential to provide means for-care fully gaging the. quantity to be applied to thc conductor. For this purpose a scraper 31' is arranged to eoperate with cach. coating wheel, Figs. ll and l). l'lhesc scrapers are each arranged between the point of recept ion of the insulating nmterial from the transfer Wheehand the point of application of tht` material to the conductor. 'lhe scraper is Apreferably a blade having a tongue tt corre sponding in shape/to the cross-section of tht Coating groove and into which it radially' projeetsl ()n opposite sidesl of the tonguy are guide jaws 37, Fig. I, that span the edge of the coating wheel and engage with the side surfaces thereof. rlhe scrapers are held in the vertical or approximately vertical posttion so that, the surplus material removed `from the coating grooves by thc tongues may readily low olf the same' and drip back into the tanks. 'lhe scrapers oll cach group of the coating units are mounted on a. single shaft orothersupport HS, Fig. lit: ln order to adjust the scrapcrs so that the tongues i5 permit the requisite amounts of material to be carried past in the coating grooves to the conductor, they are cach supported on a llcxi ble strip or spring It), and by means of a sel screw 4t) in the scraper, which impingcsl upon a. suitable abutment 4l tixcd to the sha l't 3S, the tongue can be adjusted with respect to Ab. ve cach coating Wheel a sight glass 42 is provided, Figs. lll ready inspection of the Wheels may be made. The glasses are preferably removably secured in place so movable plate 44 engaging the opposite end for securing the glass 1n place. it will be noted thatthe construction of each unit provides practically a complete in closure which prevents evaporation' of the insulating mate rial and the entrance of dust. I

. As shown in Fig. 2,. the coating device E is arranged adjacent to the lower end of the drying oven in such a position that the wet portions of the conductor pass immediately into the oven after leaving the coating wheels. The oven is an upright rectangular structure made of spaced double sheet metal plates 45 lined with suitable heat-insulating material 46, and a skeleton framework 47 of tubing Figs. 1 to 4. The uprights of the framework are rigidly anchored 'at their lower ends in blocks 48 that are `firmly secured on the stand top 2, Figs. 1 and 2. The oven is of such length that with a given speed of travel of the conductor on the Stringing traine, the

Wet insulation will be completely dried or hardened before the conductor passes over the sheaves at the upper end ot the Stringing frame. The oven is closed except where nec ssary provisionis made in the bottoni 49, `ig. 4, for the conductor passing into and out of the same.

Any suitable source of heat may be emplogyed for heating the air supplied to the drying oven, such, for example, as steam or hot Water pipes. This system is more feasible and economical in a factory where a large number of machines are employed and where steam or hot water heating facilities exist.

In the present instance I have shown a gas heater or furnace 50, which particularly adapted for isolated machines. rllhe heater 50 com rises a combustion chamber 5l within whic 'a coil or mixing tube 52 of the Buni sen type of burner isarranged, that is proves vided witha number of openings 53 for delivering jets of gas, Figs. 4 and 5, and a nozzle 54, Figs. 1 and'4, which supplies gas to the mixing tube. The combustion chamber vis supported within a cylindrical casing 55,

Whic is open at its lower end to permit air to enter the combustion chamber for supporting combustion. The lower end of the casing and also the ends of the combustion chamber are rovided with diaphragms of wire gauze 56 or preventing entrance to the iaine of any expklosive gases which might form in the atiiios crate from the Ainsplatingfmaterial. The diameter of the casing is larger than that of the combustion chamber, in order to pro vide a heating space between'them. The air ere from the volatile elements evapsenses enters the heating space through thc gauze bottom, and through openings 55"' in the wall of the casing at poii'its intermediate its ends. rlhe heated air iningles with the hot 1uoduets ol combustion from the ".oinbusti'i'in chamber in a flue 57 with which the heating space and combustion chamber communicate. '.lhe air iii passing lfrom the heating space to the.

'flue 57 enters openings 5S arranged in the.

Wall of a short connecting llnc 5U between the combustion cluiniber and the. ilue 57, and thc amount of air passing through tne openings 58 is regulated by means ol`v a cylindrical valve GO, Fig. 5. 'llic valve operated by a handle (il which projects through e. slot :in the. flue 57, and is secured to the valve. For starting the furnace. a door (i2 is pi o'rided in thc wall thereof which permits access to the interior.

The heated air troni the furnace passes iirst to a distributing chamber h3, Figs 2, -t and (i, from the llue 57; the lunctioiifcl the distributing chamber being tov discharge the heated air into thc drying oven in sheets` and in section iii lng. 4; the said slots being disposed directly in *front oi'V the lengths li. ol' the conductor on the stringing traine. "lhe distributing chamber is located at the lower end of t-hc oven, hence the hot air i'loirinhj l o the upper end acts upon the conduct ornhile traveling the full length ci the oven.

ln order to'regulate the draft throwrfn the oven or the temperature of the air, diinpers or valves'GG are pri'ividcd at the upper end, Fig. 2. Theses valves control coinnuinieiition between the oven and a hood G' which conveys oilC the gases to the atmosphere at any suitable point. VJhen u number oi' ina. chinos are employed, the hoods of' the se feral machines are preferably conneizted with n. common duct and a blower may be used with advantage for drawing oli the gases. "Vlie, draft through thc oven may also hc reginlated by allowing atmospheric air to einer directly to the distrihu ting chamber by open-- ing the door GS, Figs. 2 and ti.

The Stringing trame i) is a vertical rec-- tangular structure supported :it its lower end on the stand and extends into the. oven troni the bottom there-oi. lt coin iris-es two up right side bars GQ, Figs. 'l and 3, and upper and lower horizontal shafts 7U and 7 V, Figs. l, 2, 22 and 24, on which are inouin'ed respectively sheaves 'i2 and 73, over which the. wire passes. The coating device arranged between the oven and theqlower end ci the Stringing trame so that the conductor, in passing upwardly troni the lower sheaves 73, is conveyed through contact with the coating device and thence to the. oven.

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In order that the conductor may be conveniently laid or strung on the frame D, t-lie latter is pivoted at its lower ond so that the upper end may swing downwardly in a vertical plane to an inclined or horizontal position wit iin reach of the operator.- The lower ends of the side bar 69 are provided with hearing eyes 74, which are mounted on hori- Yontally disposed pivots or joui nals 75 a:- ranged in the anchor blocks 48, Figs. l, 2 and 7, Handles 76 are arranged on the side bars at a suitable point above the pivots to p'zovide the necessary leverage for permitting the-traine to be `ly lowered by the opera` tor. To counter-balance the weight of the frame two helical extension springs 77 'are om loyed, which are attached at their upper ein; s to hooks 77 secured to the side bars 69, and at their lower ends to stationary arms or abutniciits 78 mounted on the anchor blocks 4Q, as shown more clearly in Figs. 1 and 2. The points where the springs are attached to the arms are eccentric to and disposed preferably in front of the axis about which the frame ivots, so that when the frame is lowered t e springs are expanded and act to "to permit the frameto swing in and out of the oven, the rear wall 79 of the latter, Fig. 4, is hing-edat one side to serve as a door which,

when opened, permits the frame to be swung.

iii or out of the oven. The bottom 49 of the oven is preferably 'carried by the frame to simplify the construction: Under some conditions it is preferable tooinit this part 49 altogether. When it is used the several turns of the conductor are received in slots S provided in it. At the upper end of the frame below the shaft may be a deiiector or inclined plate' Si, which is carried by the fray/no. 1,2 and 3.,.,This plate is also provided wii'h slots for receiving the conductor. li serves to direct the gases to the hood und shields, the sheaves and shaft located above it from the effects of the hot gases. it is inclined npr ardly from the rear to a point between the dainpers 66 and directs `the gases through the lower damper opening. 'lo permit cross-currents in the space above the deliector a valved opening 82 is provided in the door or rear wall 79 of the oven, Fig. 2, through which air enters and passesacross the space, and discharges through the up )er dauipe.' opening into the hood. Where so utions @t requiring very h igh oven temperaluvrs are used this deileetor, may befomitted fof sim ilicity.

l`hc lower shaft 7] is journaled in bearings $3 fri-(mcd on the journals 75 of' the Stringing Ramis, Figs. 7 and 24. Hence, the axis of the shaft coincides with the axis on which p ing wheels, Fig. 1.

important feature, as the distance between the u per and lower sheaves is thus maintaine constant for all positions which the frame takes in its swinging movement thereby preventing undue strain upon the conductoi` during the swinging movement of the frame.

v The sheaves 7 2 and 73 are arranged in two rroups, one on each side of a medial plane and directly in the rear of the groups of coat- The'lower sheaves 73 operate as drivers for conveying the conductor through the machine, while the upper sheaves are idlers. The latter ardl loosely mounted to rotate on their shaft, which in` turn rotates in bearings 84, at its ends. The shaft, thus driven by the sheaves, rotates at av velocity equal to their mean velocity. This construction permits of -movenient of the conductor over the sheavesfwith comparatively little friction, and' also permits of relatively independent movement of the sheaves to equalize the tension between the several turns of the conductor.

A particular form offriction-drive is cmployed for imparting power to the driving sheaves73, which has for its object to permit the driving power to be broughtto bear on the conductor gradually when starting, so as not to produce excessive strains von -the latter, and also to permit the tension between the various turns of the conductor to automatically e ualize. The mechanism for accomplishing t iis comprises friction gears 85 and 86, Figs. 7 and 24, arranged on'the lower shaft between the roups of sheaves, and separated by a centrafspacing sleeve S7, against the ends of which they are adapted to bear. The gears are splined to the shaft by screws 88, one gear being employed for driving the shaft in a forward direction, and the other for driving it in a reverse direction. The sheaves of each grou are lseparated from each other and from t e adjacent. friction gear by s acing sleeves 89, which are splined to the s aft by screws 90, whose ends engage in a longitudinal groove 91 in the shaft, Fig. 24. At the outer ends of the shaft are adjustable compression springs 92 which iinpinge upon the outer sleeves and operate to maintain the sleeves, sheaves and -gears in frictioniil engagement, to the end that power from the gears is transmitted to the sheavesthrough the shaft and the sleeves. The p'ressure, however, due to the springs, is

such that thesheaves are capable of moving with and drvefthe gears 85 and 86 respectively, Figs. 7, 22 and 24. The gears 122 and 123 are rigidly connected with grooved pulleys 124 and 125 that vare driven respec* tively by a straight belt 126 and the crossbelt 127 that receive poweil from the driving shaft 94; the latter acting as a countershaft between the motor and the said pulleys. Of these mechanisms, the one with the straight belt is employed for forward driving of the sheaves, and that with the crossbelt is employed for reverse driving, and obviously they are adapted to operate one. ata time. These mechanisms, forconvenience of descrij'ition, will be designated hereinafter as the "forward friction drive and the freverse friction drive, respectively. The gears 122'and 123, .with their respective pulleys, are eachmounted in a bifurcated arm 12S of-a bell-crank lever129. 'llie levers are fulcrumed on )ivots 130, which are mounted in bearing locks 131 on the 4stand-top 2 under and slightly forward of the sheaves. The other arm of each bell-crank lever extendslthrough a slot .132 in the top of the stand, and at its lower end is connected with an actuating mechanism. The actuating mechanism comjnjises a lever 134 fulcruincd on a depending projection 2, Figs. 22 and 23 on the top 2 of the stand, an actuating rod 135 (shown also in Fig. 2) attached to the lever and links 136- which connect the lever 134 with the bell-crank f of the rod 135 throws one or the other of the friction drives into operation: that'isto say: when the rod is pushed rearwardly, or in the direction indicated by the arrow, Figs. 22 and 23, the bellcrank lever of the forward friction drive will be operated in a manner to move the gear 4122 into engagement with its companion gear 85, whereas pulling the rod in a for 7ard direction causes the bell crank lever of the reverse friction drive to be operated so that the gear 123 is moved into engagement with its companion gear Sli. When wire is not being coated the frictiondrives are held in an inoperative position, in order that the driving sheaves may move imlijpmidncntl Y of them during the operation of stringin't e conductoroon the frame. For the purpose of bringing the driving members into engagement af motor is employed, such as a spring 137, Figs. 2 and 22, that is connected at one -end to one of thc links 6, which supports .the swinging table 5, and at the other end to an adjustable abutment 138 supported on the stand-top 2. At a suitable point betweenthe ends of the springs one of the. bell-crank levers 12S) is attached thereto. llence, when one of the bell-crank levers'is manually moved in one direction or the other, the spring `is placed -under tension and operates to return the bell-crank levers to.

their normal or inoperative position and tl'ierebyhold the friction gears out of mesh.

It is preferable to throw the forward friction-drive into operation automatically, and for this purpose the swinging movement of the table which carries the coating device is made use of, so that the throwing of the coating device into operation simultaneously renders the forward friction-drive operative. This is accomplished by the movement of the end of spring 137 which is attached to the 75 swinging support or link 6, in consequence of the movement of this link necessary to throw the coating mechanism into operative relation with the wire. This movement of one end of the extended spring toward the other 'fixed end causes a like but lesser movement or tendency to movement on the part of each intermediate point. Assuming no external constraint, the movement of any point will be the same fraction of that of the aetuated end that its distance from the abutment 138 is ofthe total extended lengtlr Thus the point of. attachment of spring 137 to bell crank 128 will move in the direction of 138 until it is stopped by contact of members 122 90 and 85. Further movement of thelink 6 toward the abutment 138 gives rise -tonnbalanced spring tension urging the frictioned members 122 and 85 together and causing progressively increasing driving effort. A 9e suitable adjustment of the point at which bell crank 128 is attached to the spring 137 is found adequate to adjust the friction so as to give a gradual start, coupled with a sufficient ultimate driving effort.

,W hen the coating mechanism is out of action and the link 6 jis in the position shown by dotted lines 140, Fig. 22, yit is possible by means ofl rod attaching to lever 134 to move either theA forward or the reverse drive into engagement at will. lt will be seen that.

this must not be possible when the` coating mechanism and the wire are in operative relation. If the wire stopped while in contact with the solution-carrying wheels the previously deposited film would be dissolved off and if it reversed its direction the undried wire would immediately come intocontact with sheaves 73 and be spoiled. lFor the purpose of automatically preventing this, an interlocking collar or abutment 13E) is placed on the rod in such position that when link 6 swings forward it engages or nearly engages this collar and it becomes impossible to move rod 135 to its disengaged or its reverse 120 position without previously swinging the table, and hence the link 6, to the disengaged position.

In Figs. 2 and 22 he parts of the machine are shown in operative position for driving 12.5 the wire forwardly through the machine. When the table 5 is moved out of engagement with the wire the link 6 moves to the position shown by dotted lines 140, Fig. 22, and thereby disengages from the abutment of the actuating rod and at the saine time causes the drives to return to their normal position through the action of the spring as just explained. When it is desired to reverse the travel of the conductor, the actuator rod is pulled in a forward direction, causing thereby the bell-crank lever ot the reverse friction-drive to be actuated so that the gear 123 is moved into mesh with the gear 86. During these operations the motor G is operating continuously, and consequently the gears 122 and 123 are driven continuously through the intermediate connections with the motor. When the drives are normally held in inoperative position the gears 122 and .123 thereof rotate idly and can be manually thrown, into operation in the manner described.

The conductor, after receiving the iinal coat ot' insulation, passes from the last shcave of the stringing trame through an insulation test bath and tension indicator F, Figs. 7 to 9J, The test device comprises a trough 141 located adjacent the last sheave of the stringing trame, and extends substantially parallel with the conductor between the last sheave and the spool 4. The trough `141 contains a conducting liquid, such as mercury, or preferably mercury covered with a layer of water in which the' conductor is immersed so as to produce electric contact with the conductor .in case of insulation faults. For this purpose, the mercury is connected in. electric circuit with the conductor. As shown in Fig. 8, the trough is supported in such a manner that it may be lowered from the conductor so as to facilitate arranging the latter on the tension indicator. To this end it is supported at its rear end upon a link 142 pivoted on the stand-top 2 and at the front end is pivoted on one arm of a bell-crank lever 143 which is also a switch, fulcruined on the stand-top 2. T he other arm ot the lever is adapted to engage between spring contacts 144, and serves to connect the trough in an electric circuit (not shown). 'lhe frietional engagement between the lever and' the spring contacts is sutlicient to support the trough in its raised position. I

The tension indicator comprises a lever 146, Fig. 9, which is fulcrumed on a pivot 147 mountedv in a bracket 14S that is secured to the supplemental table 9. On the lever 146 are mounted two pulleys 149, one above the other, or substantially at right-angle to the general direction ot that portion ot the conductor between the last shcave of the stringing trame and the s col 4. v lhe conductor passes around the ower pulley, then upwardly and around the upper pulley, and thence to the spool. The tension on the conductor, due to the winding of the same on the spool, tends to move the lever into ahorizontal position or parallel. with the general direction oi the conductor. This movement, however, is opposed by a coiled s )ring 150, Fig. 9, to which the upper end of tlie lever is attached. The spring is mounted on an arbor 151 in the bracket 148, and through the same imparts movement to an arm or switch 152 attached thereto.,v This arm projects upwardly through a slot 153 in the supplemental table 9, and located at the rear end of the slot is acontact 154, Figs. 8 and t), which is connected in electric circuit with a suitable, source of current (not shown). When the tension'on the conductor is normal, the arm or switch 152 is drawn away from the contact. llVhcn the tension fails, as by breakage ot the conductor, the arm swings rearward y against the ,contact 154 and thereby closes a circuit containing a suitable signal. 'lhe 'circuits tor the test bath and tension indicator are' shown diagrammatically in Fig. 25. With these two safety appliances, the operator is immediately warned when insulation faults in the conductor and breakages occur, so that a machine may be immediately sto ipod.

n connection with the mechanism for reciprocating the shaft 93 of the spooling apparates is a reversing device 155, Figs. 7 and 20, described fully in my covending application hereinbefore mentioncdl. The reversing device is controlled by electro-magnet 156, which releases a detent 157 that controls a spring-actuated carrier 158 for the pinions or the reversing device. The electromagnet is connected in circuit with contacts 159, which are supported on a bracket 1GO in the path of' the flanges on the spool 4. The contacts are normally separated, and when either flange of the s )ool impinges upon the adjacent contact at tie end of the stroke, the circuit is closed and the electro-magnet cnergizcd; thus changing the position of the pinions of the reversing device.

Fig. 25 illustrates diagrammatically the various circuits for the several electrically controlled devices of the machine. Current is supplied from mains a and l) by leads c and d through the main double-pole switch c. From the switch extend three multiple circuits igf, y, of which f is cminccted with the clutch located between thc motorG and the sprocket and chain mechanism for the coating wheels, in g is connected the electroni agnet and contacts of. the motion-reversing device Kof the spooliug apparatus, and in t is,

connected the mercury test bath and the ten'- sion indicator. ri`he several circuits are controlled by switches )"1-g and i?, which in practice are mounter upon the switch-.board arranged at a suitable part of the machine convenient to the operator. .The side i of the circuit i is grounded on the driving sheaves, so that the bare conductor is in electric connection with the circuit, and the therefor.

- may immediately stop the machine and reverse the direction of travel of the conductor,

y clutch devices between the shaft 93 andthe lliquid insulating compound` the conductor machine.

other side 'L3 is connected with the mercurycontaining trough. Hence, when a bare spot on the conductor or fault passes through the mercury, the circuit isfcompleted. Sultably arranged in the circuit I is a relayi4, Whose armature i5 controls a local circuit in which is located a buzzer i and a source of current i7 Thus, when the circuit is completed by the occurrence of an insulation fault, the buzzer is sounded to warn the operator. When this occurs, 'the operator so tha/t the conductor mayibe returned to a point such that the bare spot Acan be recoated y again running it forwardly. The local clrcuit containing the buazer is connected witlithe arm 152l of the tension indicator and the contact 154, so that when the conductor breaks the circuit is completed through the arm and contact and energizes the buzzer.

In the diagram, the motorfcircuit has been.' omitted for the sake of simplicity'.

The operation ofthe machine, generally stated, is as'follows: Assuming the tanks of the coating device to befilled, the first one or two with adhesive, and "the others' with,

strung on the frame; and the furnace lighted or steam heat turned on. The electricmotor is first started. .This drivesthe shaft 94 of the spooling apparatus and the gears 122 and 123 of the friction drives. The rotation of the shaft 93 with the shaft 911i does 'not affect the spools, as these remain idle for the time being until the driving sheaves 73. are thrown into operation. In other woidsthe 4,friction spool holders act oppositely (in the wire and hence are inoperative when the sheaves 13 are idle. The swinging table 5 is next movedrearwardly, so aste throw the coating `device into o eration. During thisv movement, the several)le`ngths or turns ti ofthe conductor onthe Stringing frame .are guided into the grooves of the coating wh'eel b the guide mouths of the coating device. v y thiso -A eration the forward friction Il'lrive is broug t into .action by the movement `of link 6 and thence that of spring 137 attached to it and also to the lower arm of thel bell crank 129. This gradually imparts motion to the shaft 71 which in turn rotates the driving sheaves 73 and starts the conductor moving through the The conductor noW unwinds from spool 3 and winds on spool 4. The same movement which brin s about this engagement of the forward d engagement with 6, the interlocking piece 139 on rod 135 and prevents manual control of forward and reverse drives. Preferably somewhat before the conductor isset into motion -by the throwing of th'fe friction-drive,

rive also brings intol 'v cuit, and in consequence power is imparted l ously adjusted.

sprocket mechanism vconnecting the same with the electric motor. W ith the parts thus o erating, the bare conductor, passing throng the groove of the first coating wheel, receives a first coat usually of a suitable adhesive although insulation may be applied directly and passes immediatel' into the oven wherein the coating is ba ed on the conductor.- Passing from the oven. the conductor is conveyed ,through the groove of the next coating wheel to receive a second coat of adhesive or insulation, as maybe desired, and the said coat being baked as before, then follows another coat and another and so on until the requisite number has been applied. After the final coat, they conductor passes through the testing device and tension indicator tothe winding spool. In case of an insulation fault the machine is immediately stopped; that is to say, the forward friction drive` is thrown out of operation by moving the swinging table to its forward position, which permits the operator to manipulate the actuator rod 135 to throw the reverse friction drive into "operation, The latter act causes the conductor -to travel reversely through the machine, andwhen a suitable point is reached the operator stops the reverse friction drive and proceeds to recoat the portion containing the bare spot by operating the machine in the regular manner.

The modification shown in Figs.' 14 to 1.9

inclusive, relate more particularly to the 'l Coating device. The tank 161,-the coating wheel 162, and the frame or casing 163 for the wheels arev substantially the same as in f i transferdisk or wheel 164, which is inade of sheet metal and is sup orted to frictionally engage in the groove o the coating wheel to `receive rotation therefrom. The periphery- 4of the transfer wheel runs in the liquid insulationl so that more or less of the insulation that adheres thereto is transferred to' the groove of the coating wheel, Figs. 14 and 15. j

uide jaws or extensions l167 also project rearwardly to extend over a greater area of the sides ofthe Wheel, Fig. 17. These scrapers of both groups of units of the COeting device are'each supported on a sprin holder l 168 which is formed intoa loop an rigidly secured to a shaft 169 mounted in the casing 163 for the wheels. Each scraper is provided with a transverse slot 170 by means of Which it is sup orted on t eloop.. The outer end of each s aft 169 ex ends through the side wall of the casing, and has securedthere- Isc rapers o each 7group maybe simultaney to an ad'usting arm 171, whereby theV the operator closes the magnetic clutch cirg,

rcured to and coile formedwith a segmental slot through which projects the shank of a set-screw 172 that screws into the side wall of the casing, and is adapted by means of its head to hold the arm in fixed position by clamping it against the Wall of the casing. In order to readily empty the tanks, s outs 173 are arranged at the forward ends t iereof and the table 174 on which the tanks are supported is adapted to be tilted so as to facilitate the discharge of the liquid insulation through the spouts. To tilt the table, the same is supported at its rear end on pins or pivotsl 175 between the pair of rear supporting links 17 6 and lugs 177 and at its front end on a cam 178, shown in -dotted lines, which is mounted on a shaft 179 that extends parallel to the front end of the table and whose ends serve as pivots between the front su orting'links 176 and the lu s 18() of the talile. The lu s 180 of the taille are provided with vertica slots 181 for receiving the pivots or ends of the shaft 179, so as to permit the table to be lowered or raised by means of the cam. The cam surface is adapted to engage with the under surface of the table so as to sup ort the latter either in a horizontal or an inc ined osition. In order to operate the cam a hand e 182 is provided therefor'. The spoutsV 173 arenormally closed by means of sto pers 188, and for filling the tanks hin ed li s 184 areprovided in the covers. T e tanks are removably secured to the table by means of spring retainers 185. These are arranged at the front of the table to bear on the front ends of the tanks, and retain the latter on the table and in proper xed relation to the wheel casing 163. The retainers are supported on a shaft 186, which is pivoted at its ends in brackets 187 secured to the table. The retainers are referably 'wire s rings serlbn the shaft, 'Wit -one end projecting upwardly therefrom and formed -into a loop or rip 188; the said upwardly projecting ends cmg adapted to bear against the front ends of the tanks.` By this arrangement the retainers may be operated sin fly by pulling them forwardly by means of t 1e gri s, and thus release the tanks. To set or re ease the retainers simultaneously the shaft is rovided with a lever or springarm 189, which is adapted to hold the retainers in set position by means of a in 190, Fig. 1/1, extending from the side of t etable, under which the arm engages. By disengaging the arm from the pin, the springs are simultaneousl released so that the tanks may be removab e together. In order that the swinging table may be moved into and out of operative position, the sprocket, chain l191, which delivers power from the motor shaft to the gear or sprocket 192 coating wheel shaft, requires to have a certain degree of slack, for the reason that the center about which the table pivots and the axis of the motor shaft do not coincide. When the table is in its forward position the distance between the axis of the motor shaft and the axis of the coating wheel shaft is greater ilia1'i'\\'licn the tableis in its rearward position. To provide this slack, the chain is e ual to the maximum distance between the s rafts, and a springpress'ed idler 193 is employed in connection with the sprocket chain, so as to take up the slack on the chain when the distance bctween the motor shaft and wheel shaft is minimum, t'. e., when the table is in its rearward position. The idler is supported on the rear end of the swinging table on an arm 194, which is constantly acted upon by a spring 195, to maintain idler in operative position with respect to the chain.

' In accordance with the provisions of the patent statutes, I have described the principle of operation of my invention, together with the apparatus which I now consider to represent the best embodiment thereof; but

I desire to have it'undcrstood that the appay ratus shown is only i.llustrative,`aml that the invention can be carried ont by bther means.

What I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the United States, is,

1. In a machineforcoating electric conductors, the combination of a coating device comprising a plurali ty of wheels for applying the coating material, means for conveying the conductor tangentially over the wheels in a vertical direction, and means for moving -the coating device into and out of coperative 4relation with the conductor.

2. Inca machine for coating electric conductors, the combination of a coating device,

a carrler on which the conductor travels in substantially a vertical direction, and means for movably sup orting the coating device in coperative re ation to@ the conductor on thev carrier.

3L In a machine for coating electric coni ductors, the combination of a coating device, a carrier around which the conductor travels a number of times in a substantially vertical direction, means pivotally supporting the carrier, and a movable support for the coating device whereby the latter may be moved into or out of coperative relation with the conductor.

Il. In a machine for coating electric conductors, the combination of a movable coating device comprising a plurality of wheels, a carrier for the conductor located in coperative relation with the coating device and arran ed to convey the conductor tangential y over the wheels in a vertical direction, and an oven arranged to receive the conductor after passing through the coating device.

5. In a machine lor coating electric conductors, the combination ofa coating device, a Stringing frame or carrier on which the conductor travels in cooperative relation to the coating device, a movable table for supportstrin ing stan ing the coating device, an oven in which the frame is disposed, anda supporting 6. In a machine for coating electric conductors, the combination of a coating device, an upright carrier or Stringing frame for the conductor which is arranged in cooperative relation with the coating device,.an ovenin `which the carrier is located and arranged to be movable into and out ofthe same, and a supporting stand on which thecoating device, carrier and oven are located.

7. In a machine for coating electric conductors, the combination of a movable coating device, a carrier for the conductorfa spooling apparatus, and a driving mechanism for d rivmg the conductor in a orward or reverse direction. v II 8. In'a machine for coating electric conductors, the combination of a coating device, a carrier whlch supports the conductor 1n cooperative relation to the coating device, means for driving the conductor inv either direction on the carrier, and an apparatus cooperating with the driving means, for winding and unwinding the conductor.

9. In a machine for coating electric conductors, the cembination of a coating device, a carrier for the conductor, la friction-driving mechanism a ting at aplurality of points on the conductor for imparting motion thereto, and an apparatus which simultaneously permits the unwinding of the bare conductor and Winds the finished conductor.

10. In a machine for coating electric conductors, the combination of means for 'coating `the conductor, a carrier or Stringing frame around which the conductor passes a number of times, comprising shafts and independently movable sheaves mounted on and frictionally driven' by said shafts to impart motion te the conductor.

11. In a machine for coating electric con-l ductors, the combination of a Apivoted upright Stringing frame-,for the conductor,` a coating device which is located at the lower en d of the frame, a 'drying oven inclosing the upper part of the'framc, and means for, driving the conductor on the frame through the coating device and the oven.

12. In a machine for coating electric conductors, the' combination of an upright Stringing frame for the conductor Which is pivoted at its lower end, an oven which in closes the upper end of the frame, means for permitting the frame to swing in and out of l the even, a coating device, and means for driving the conductor around the Stringing frame. I

13. In a machine for coatin electric l'condut'tors, the combination of an upright Stringing frame for the 4conductor which is` ivotally supported at its lower end, means or counter-balancing the weight of the frame during pivotal movement thereof, a

' device.

driving mechanism for the conductor, and a coating device.

14. In a machine for coating-electric con- 16. In a machine for coating electric conductors,.the combination of 'a Stringing .frame or carrier around which the conductor passes a number of times comprising rotatable shafts, sheaves 'rotatably' mounted thereon, means for frictionally driving the sheaves of one shaftl to im art motion to the conductor, and a coating evice.

duc-tors, the combination of a Stringing.

172 In a machine for coating electric con- I ductors, the combination of a carrier or stringing frame for the conductor co1nprising rotatable shafts, sheaves rotatably mounted thereon, means'between the sheaves vof one shaft and rotatable therewith which frictionally engage with vthe sheaves for driving them, and means for coating the conjductor. 'A Y 18. In a machine for coating electric con- I ductors, the combination of 'a coating dc- `vice, and a carrier or strmgmg frame for the conductor com rising parallel rotatable shafts, means or frictionall'y driving one of the shafts, sheaves onfthe shaft's" which are rotatable thereon, sleeves keyedon the frictionall -driven shaft which are arranged between t 1e sheaves, and means for causing the sheaves and sleeves to frictionally engage with each other, whereby the sheaves lare rotatable with or independently of the shaft.l I '19. In a machine for coating electricfconductors, the combination of a coating devi'ce, and a 'Stringing frame or carrierfor the cohductor com rising arallel lrotatable shafts';

means for rictiona ly driving one shaft i-n' either direction, sheaves on the shafts which are rotatable thereon, sleeves keyed 'on the frictionall -clriven shaft which are arranged betweenv t e sheaves, and means for 'causing' the sheaves and sleeves to frictionally engage with eachother' whereby the sheaves .are

' rotatable with'or independently `of the shaft.

20. In a machine for coating'electric conductors, the combination of a coating device, and a Stringing frame or carrier for the; conductor comprising parallel shafts rotatably mounted, meansfor frictionally driving y,an

tionally driving one shaft in either direction, rotatable lsheaves on the shafts, sleeves keyed to the `f rictionally-driven shaft which are located between the sheaves,

.means for causing the sleeves to drive the sheaves, and a spooling ap aratus which cooperates with the frictionail' -driven sheaves for'winding the conductor riventhei'eby.

2 2. In a machine for coating electric conductors, the combination of a coating device,

a Stringing framefor the conductor rovidedn with reversible frictionally-driven s eaves, a spooling apparatus, and amotor for driving t e sheaves and the s ooling apparatus.

23. `In a machine or coating electric conductors, the combination of a'stringing frame or carrier for the conductor including means for driving the conductor in either direction around the frame, al spooling apparatus cooperating with the said means, a motor for 'driving the a paratus and the said means,

coating whee s, and 'a controllable driving connection between the motor and the coating Wheels. i

24. In a machine for coating electric conductors, the combination of a Stringing frame includin meansfor drivin the conductona frictiona drive for the sai means, a` coating device,` a. mov-able support for the coating .device by which the latter is moved into or out of cooperativeA relation with the conductor on the frame, and means controlled by themovement of the said support for rendering said drive operative or inoperative.

25. In a machine for coating electric conductors, the combination of a sti-inging frame includinv means for driving the conductor, a frictional drive for'said means which is normally inoperative, a coating device, a movable support for the coating device by which the latter is moved into or out of cooperative relation ywith the conductor on the frame, andmeans controlled by the movement of the said support for rendering said drive operative or'inoperative. j

26. In a machine for coating electric conductors, the combination of a sti-inging frame including means for'- driving the conductor, friction gears for operating the said means which are normally inoperative, a'coating device adapted to be moved into or lout of cooperative relation with the conductor on the frame, and means for automatically rendering the friction gears'operative when the ,conductor is driven when the coating device is set into operation.

, 28. In a-machinc for coating electric conductors, the combination of a Stringing frame or carrier including means for driving the conductor, `a coating device, and a s )ooling apparatus comprising a rotatinfr an 'reciprocating shaft, spools carried tiercby, and means between the sh ait and s ools whereby one spool unwinds and the ot ier winds the conductor.`

l 29. In a machine for coating electric conductors, the combination cfa Stringing frame including drivin@r means for conveying the conductor over the frame in either direction, a coating device, and spooling apparatus which comprises a rotating and reciprocating shaft, spools carried thereby, and means whereby either spool unwinds the conductor according to the direction of pull on the latter due to the saidflriving means while the other spool winds the conductor due to the rotation of the said shaft. y

30. In a machine for coating electric conductors, the combination of a Stringing frame including `means .for driving the conductor over the frame in either direction, a,coai ing device,jand a s ooling apparatus comprising a rotating un( reciprocating shaft, spools -carried thereby, and clutch devices between the spools and the shaft.

31. In a machine for coating electric conductors, the combination of a stringing frame including means for driving the conductor over the frame in either direction, a coating device, a spooling apparatus comprising a rotating andreciprocating shaft, spools carried thereby, clutch devices between the spools and the shafts, and means for adjusting the clutching effect of said devices.

l32. In a machine for coatinur `electric conductors, the combination ci3 a Stringing frame including frictional drivin(r means for conveying the conductorover tlie frame in either direction, a coating device, and a spooling apparatus comprising a rotating and.reciprocating shaft, vspool carriages connected with the ends of. 4the shaft, spools mounted o'n the carriages, clutclidevices between the spools and the shaft, and a yieldving adjustable means 'for varying the clutch- .,ing efl'ect of said devices.

'Y 33. YIn `a machine l'or coating electric con- 

